Clear and transparent industry regulations and reasonable infrastructure service charges in China remain top priorities for the Asian Business Aviation Association’s (AsBAA) China chapter. Led by AsBAA mainland China Committee and Textron v-p of government affairs Rocky Zhang, the chapter recently met in Beijing to review 2017 events and discuss priorities for this year.

Chapter members agreed that large business aircraft remain a preference in the Chinese markets. Obstacles such as scheduling and fee charges need to be resolved to encourage the introduction of more short- and medium-range aircraft, the chapter further agreed. Industry leaders in the region are pushing for an improved regulatory approach that would enable China to have an “open for business” reputation, the association said.

“The vision for AsBAA in 2018 is to improve the regulatory environment and create opportunities for sustainable development,” said AsBAA chairman Jenny Lau, who is also president of Sino Jet Management. “We will also continue to host meetings in which our members can access expert legal and professional advice.”

The chapter discussed the need to work with the other industry groups to present a united front and strategized ways to work with the various government agencies as they press for a fair environment.

In addition to its advocacy with the government, AsBAA works to bring new people into the industry, hosting seminars at Chinese universities to promote business and general aviation careers.